Other sources of authority
When it comes to finding out about or understanding something, or making decisions about what to do, most people have various Religious texts or bodies responsible for guiding people on how to live. they can go to for guidance and help. These might include:
- friends
- family
- personal experience
- Using reason and evidence to think through an issue and make a decision.
- An inner sense (or 'voice') which communicates what is right or wrong in one's behaviour.
Religious people also have other sources of guidance and help available to them. These might include:
- sacred texts
- The person who is regarded as founding or starting a religion, eg Jesus was the founder of Christianity; the Buddha was the founder of Buddhism. of the faith
- religious principles or rules
- faith community leaders
- religious The beliefs, teachings and behaviour of a group. It may include scripture, oral teachings, laws and ritual practices.
- other people in the faith community
Insight and inspiration can sometimes come from the beliefs, teachings and practices of other religions and from non-religious sources.
A decision is generally better made if the individual has considered a variety of sources of guidance and help rather than just one, or if they always consult the same one. This helps an individual to gain the most complete picture of the situation they face and the options available, and so helps them make a better decision.
Civil law
Sometimes some of the laws and teachings of the Bible come into A disagreement over something. with those of the country and the government. The Church teaches that an individual should follow the teachings of the Bible as long as they do not come into conflict with the laws of the country. Within the UK the majority of laws are in agreement with biblical teachings, eg murder is wrong.